Coloccini’s absence frustrates Newcastle boss

Daniel Prince

JOHN Carver has admitted Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini often loses his head – but insists he’s not a nasty player.

Coloccini will serve a three-match ban following his red card at Everton last Sunday, after the FA rejected the club’s appeal.

Every now and then his head goes - but that’s football

John Carver

The Argentinian was sent off after a two-footed lunge on Aaron Lennon, and will miss the game against Arsenal on Saturday, followed by the Easter Sunday Wear-Tyne derby and the trip to Liverpool on April 13.

Carver is particularly frustrated that Coloccini will miss next month’s trip to Sunderland.

The Newcastle captain has been unavailable for three of the club’s last four games against their fierce rivals.

Asked about the dismissal at Everton, Carver said: “He’s not (that type of player). Every now and then, his head goes, but that’s (professional football).

“We’re losing our captain for another derby game, and he has not played in many derby games lately.”

Coloccini’s absence leaves Newcastle’s squad down to the “bare bones” – and Carver has joked that some of his coaching staff may need to dust off their boots.

Mike Williamson is United’s only recognised senior centre-back heading into the next three games with Steven Taylor and Paul Dummett injured.

Right-back Daryl Janmaat is expected to be switched to the centre of defence, a position he admitted he had never played before moving there following Coloccini’s dismissal at Goodison Park.

Beyond that, the inexperienced Lubo Satka is another option for Carver, who has quipped that the situation has got so bad he may have to call upon 53-year-old former Everton defender Dave Watson, who is on his coaching staff.

When asked if Newcastle were down to the bare bones, Carver said: “There’s not much skin left on the bone, to be quite honest.

“I’ve just said to Dave Watson, ‘get yourself sorted out, because you might have to make a comeback here!’

“I’ll work with the guys I’ve got to work with, and if I need to reshuffle it, I will, and I’ll just deal with it.

“It’s down to me to work with the players we’ve got.

“Nobody else can help – other than my staff, who are great – and we will work on it and have to look at different options now.

“We’re down to the bare bones, but I’ll work with what I’ve got, because that’s my job and that’s what I get paid for.”